Beaches - Crystal Cove

Beaches – Crystal Cove

Orange County’s coastline has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  Serving as the northern gateway of our 42 miles of beaches is Seal Beach with San Clemente being the southern gateway.. There are many, many beaches along this 42 mile stretch to enjoy.  The little plum teapot will be pouring tea for you at a few of my most favorite ones.  I love the ocean and visit these nearby beaches often. 

Experiencing the magic of “Crystal Cove” as it existed in the 1930’s is great fun. The cottages have been historically restored and are available for vacation rentals through our CA. State Parks (if you should be lucky enough to secure a reservation).

Today, the little plum teapot is pouring Söderblandning from the Tea Centre in Stockholm while we enjoy the view from the bluff above Crystal Cove Beach and The Historic District.  This tea is one of my “go to” teas.  It is a pleasant blend of China and Sri Lanka black teas with tropical fruits and flowers. 

Today’s chocolate is a Bissingers  Fleur de Sel  & Kreta Olive Oil Truffle.   

Oh, my!  It’s a good thing I tucked in a Godiva Pumpkin Spice Truffle too as look who else found Crystal Cove today!

 

*Would you like an adventure now

Or shall we have our tea first?*

Peter Pan 

About Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove State Park

Surprise at 38,129

Surprise at 38,129

The little plum teapot had such fun pouring tea at 38,129 feet in the air on flights to and from Dallas this week!  What a nice surprise to find that  the touch screen at each seat offered ordering hot water and Mighty Leaf Tea Bags! 

 I think our seatmates were quite envious!

And while in Dallas, it steeped and poured many cups of Swedish Soderblanding for our family (ages 4 -81) during our annual Swedish Christmas Sausage making party to enjoy.

These sweet little 3 and 5 year old grand-nieces gathered *flowers* in the yard to use for a very special tea party.  Just the two of them and me and the *little plum teapot*. 

They had such fun and loved hearing about the world traveled teapot.  When I put the cozy on, they told me it had its own jacket.  How cute is that!

Saddleback Mountain at Sunrise

Saddleback Mountain at Sunrise

What could be more special to start your visit than to share our beautiful Saddleback Mountain at sunrise during my morning walk in my neighborhood! 

The highest point in Orange County is Saddleback Mountain (5,689 ft) or more properly Santiago Peak. Combined with Modjeska Peak (5,496ft) the two comprise Saddleback Mountain.  

 

I’ve chosen a flowering tea called *Lotus* from the Art of Tea to begin this day and this journey.  They say that the Lotus is the original blooming flower. The petal colors of the lotus flower vary depending on the picking season from purple, yellow, pink, white and red. Besides being a beautiful flower, the taste is incredibly smooth and sweet offering a bright yellow infusion when brewed.

A very special aunt in my life believed that each morning should start with a delicious bite of chocolate before her first cuppa.   When I would visit her, while the water was coming to a boil, she would bring out her beloved box of Russell Stover chocolates and always let me choose first.  This ritual is one I shall always remember with such joy.   So, each day of my time with the little plum teapot will start with a chocolate special to me or a favorite of someone special to me.  Today it is Russell Stover to honor my aunt.

*The lotus flower opens and closes every day in a ritual of renewal.  It’s this continual reinvention that has promised an element of excitement and surprise and hope.*